Vernon baseball, softball seeking success
VERNON — Practice by practice and game by game, the Vernon High School baseball and softball programs are trying mightily to build positive momentum toward the goals that were set forth before the regular season started.
Scott Berge, the head coach of the Vikings’ baseball team hopes leadership presented by veteran varsity student-athletes, such as Dave Baxter (senior, first base), Anthony Germinario (senior, pitcher/second base), Mike Harboy (senior, pitcher/infield) and Chris Pontus (senior, centerfield), will help lead the way to an improvement on last year’s 11-13 overall record.
“[We want to] get above the .500 mark and once again qualify for the (NJSIAA) States," Berge said.
Key newcomers looking to make an impact as the season moves forward include Kevin Moran (senior, third base/pitcher), Joe Roccasanta (senior, outfield), Josh Rodriguez (senior, outfield), Ed Battista (junior, catcher), Louis Caiafa (junior, pitcher/outfield), Matt Emerson (junior, pitcher/third base), Christian Quaranta (junior, short stop), Cody Bartsch (sophomore, outfield), Christian Capuana (sophomore, pitcher/third base), Connor Fitzsimmons (sophomore, catcher) and Brady Keenan (sophomore, pitcher).
On Wednesday, April 16, Vernon has a home game scheduled versus High Point and on April 21; the Vikings are slated to travel to play Warwick Valley.
Vernon advanced to the NJSIAA North I Group III sectional tournament last spring where the Vikings were defeated by Paramus. Paramus went on the capture the North I Group III sectional title. Cranford won the Group III State championship.
Softball
Experienced varsity-level players leading the way for coach Kerry Ludeking’s squad this spring include Julie Cacace (senior, catcher), Emily Cox (senior, infielder), Jenn Lancellotti (senior, pitcher/infield), Amanda Headly (senior, outfield) and Regina Incarnato (junior, pitcher/infield).
“My older (student-athlete’s) are leaders which helps the younger ones to be just as strong of a leader as the rest," Ludeking said. “[We want to] compete and never give up. With this division our team has to compete. This is the strongest league in the state right now. Every team is very good and very strong.''
The Vernon softball team is scheduled to face Butler on the road on April 16.